Apple vs. OpenAI: Trade Secrets Case Heats Up

Apple has expanded its trade secrets case against OpenAI, sending preservation letters to about 40 former employees now working there. These letters ask recipients to keep relevant documents and communications and request meetings with Apple's legal team. This action follows Apple's lawsuit filed on July 10th, accusing OpenAI, io Products, and two former Apple employees of using confidential hardware information. OpenAI denies any interest in rivals' trade secrets, and these claims are currently untested in court. Apple named former employees Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan in its complaint. Tan is now OpenAI’s chief hardware officer. Apple alleges Liu kept a company laptop and downloaded confidential hardware files after leaving. It also claims Tan emailed himself supplier details and internal reports before departing. Both claims remain allegations. Apple also suggests Tan encouraged Apple employees interviewing at OpenAI to bring physical parts for "show and tell" sessions. The preservation letters indicate Apple wants records from a wider group than just the two named employees. More than 400 former Apple workers now work at OpenAI. OpenAI moved further into consumer hardware after acquiring io Products. Apple claims OpenAI used hiring practices and supplier contacts to accelerate its hardware development. OpenAI disputes accusations.